Mysuru: People of my constituency will decide my next move, says MLA G.T. Deve Gowda
Mysuru: Senior politician and JD(S) MLA G.T. Deve Gowda on Wednesday said that any decision regarding his political future, whether to remain in JD(S), or move to the BJP or Congress, will be taken based on the wishes of his constituents. “As of now, I am serving as an MLA,” he said, addressing reporters in Mysuru.
Responding to questions about his association with political parties, Gowda said, “Neither Siddaramaiah nor D.K. Shivakumar has contacted me. No one from JD(S) has reached out regarding the Channapatna by-election. I am not joining any party at the moment.”
A known critic of his own party leadership in recent times, the veteran leader said, “Newcomers who joined the party just yesterday are now speaking about me. Even those who lack the stature to stand beside me are making comments. I have always been with the people and the party founded by Deve Gowda. The people in my constituency suggest what to do, whether to remain in JD(S), or move to Congress or BJP. Based on their direction, I will contest the next election.”
Commenting on the current state of the BJP-JD(S) alliance, he remarked, “I am a JD(S) MLA. I resigned earlier from the Assembly after winning, not because I was defeated. I have supported Yeddyurappa in the past for 20 months. Our tenure was three years, and I was frustrated that I wasn’t given the role of Leader of the Opposition despite being a senior. Kumaraswamy chose to empower Suresh Babu instead. Right now, I am functioning only as a legislator. I have no clarity on my party affiliation.”
Recalling his past political battles, he said, “I have stood my ground and won even against strong leaders. I defeated Siddaramaiah in the elections. I have never abandoned JD(S) midway, never been corrupt, and never lost an election. No one has the moral authority to accuse me of defection. I will act according to the wishes of the people in my constituency.”
Reacting to questions on JD(S) youth president Nikhil Kumaraswamy, G.T. Deve Gowda stated, “Nikhil is also an actor and has lost three elections. Now he’s gaining experience in politics. The responsibility of leading the JD(S) built by H.D. Deve Gowda is on him. I am staying away from party activities and focusing solely on my duties as a legislator.”
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
